Euro 2012: Probable England Line Up

So we all know the England squad for Euro 2012 by now, especially if you live in the UK! The squad has been, as always, much talked about, and has been unfortunately depleted by injury. We all have our own opinions as to who should start for England in the tournament, but ultimately it’s the gaffer, Roy Hodgson, who will have the final say. So, who is Roy likely to plum for come the tournament?

GK – Joe Hart – Not much debate about this one, fresh from a brilliant season at Man City and armed with a premier league winners medal, Hart is high on confidence and will start between the sticks.

LB – Ashley Cole – Much needed experience in the back line, Ashley is another who will be high on morale after his Champions league victory at Chelsea.

RB – Glen Johnson – Looks like the preferred option at right back, with Martin Kelly the only other real option and Micah Richards left at home, Hodgson seems to have a lot of faith in Johnson.

CB – John Terry – No real questions here, especially considering the injuries in Defence and exclusion of Rio Ferdinand. JT’s name is one of the first on the team sheet in spite of controversies in recent years.

CB – Joleon Lescott – Gary Cahill may have been preferred if fit, but it looks like Joleon will play in Central Defence in front of teammate Joe Hart.

LM – Stewart Downing – Whatever you might say about Downing’s season at Liverpool, it looks pretty certain that he will start on the left of a four man Midfield.

RM – James Milner – Many would prefer Theo Walcott, but Milner has played a lot of football for England in the two warmup games and appears to be a favourite with the boss. Personally, I would bet on him starting ahead of the Arsenal winger.

CM – Scott Parker – Head and shoulders above England’s other Defence minded midfield options. Parker is a dead cert to play assuming he is fit.

FW – Ashley Young – Inside Forward, Attacking Midfielder, Second Striker, whatever you want to call it, Young has made this role his own in the absence of Rooney. He will undoubtedly revert to the Left Wing once Rooney returns from suspension, but he will certainly play in the first two games.

ST – Danny Welbeck – Just gets the nod ahead of Andy Carroll, if you ask me, and cemented his place with a superb finish against Belgium in England’s last friendly.

Of course, we don’t know who is going to start for England, and Roy’s options and wildcards include 18 Year old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Phil Jagielka. Whoever he puts out, the England fans wont mind so long as the 1-0 victories keep coming.